NFL Cuts: David Garrard Cut from Jacksonville; Where Will He Land?

While the Jacksonville Jaguars said goodbye to their veteran quarterback Tuesday, David Garrard is hoping to say hello to another team sometime this season.

Garrard, entering his 10th NFL season was surprised when he was released only days before the opening of the 2011 season.

The Jaguars' Luke McCown will enter the new season as the newly crowned starting QB after being buried on the depth charts, despite outplaying Garrard and Blaine Gabbert this summer.

Garrard is now faced with the uncertainty of finding another role elsewhere as he is not only carrying a higher salary, but also has two major disadvantages: his age and his health.

Although Garrard is capable of starting for another team—if acquired by another club—his role may be primarily served as a backup.

Over his nine seasons Garrard has an average QB rating of 85 percent, while averaging 1,780 yards through the air with 89 touchdowns.

Here is a list of possible landing spots.

Seattle Seahawks

The current stable of quarterbacks in Seattle is far from one that would be considered premier.

Tarvaris Jackson is the starter who was brought in during the offseason to fill the vacant position left when Matt Hasselbeck departed for Tennessee.

With his play in the offseason, and what he has shown as a starter in Minnesota, it would make sense for this team to consider the addition of Garrard.

Garrard could initially ride the bench until it becomes apparent Jackson is ineffective.

For a team that expects to win the NFC West and make a run in the playoffs, the Garrard addition would make sense as it is highly unlikely Jackson will be able to do what is asked of him.

Cincinnati Bengals

It is well known that Andy Dalton is the starting quarterback in Cincinnati, but with the uncertainty of the rookie's ability to handle the starting role and carry this team, the Bengals find themselves in need of an insurance policy.

The addition of Garrard to this team would provide them with a capable passer who could step into a game if the young quarterback struggles or simply isn't able to perform.

At the least, Garrard would provide Dalton with the veteran mentor that isn't available to him at this current point in time.

The Bengals are not expected to make a serious move to the division title or the playoffs, but that doesn't mean Garrard couldn't wind up in Bengals stripes.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers would be an interesting fit for Garrard as they are the NFC version of the Jaguars.

The offense is heavily reliant on the running game and the club has average receivers capable of making a difference in the game.

Quarterback Josh Freeman is very similar to Garrard's style of play and, although there is no dire need for a starter in this organization, the addition of Garrard would be a sound decision.

Garrard would be capable of stepping in for Freeman if he were injured or knocked out of a game and continue on without much changing in the game plan.

I consider the Buccaneers one of the favorites for landing the veteran.

Arizona Cardinals

If Kevin Kolb winds up being a bust—which is very unlikely—or he is injured, the Cardinals will find themselves reliving the 2010 season all over again.

Arizona is in need of a credited backup as its roster boasts the talents of backups John Skelton and Richard Bartel, neither of which are ready to step into the starting capacity.

Arizona has already addressed the need to add depth and experience when it jumped on Chester Taylor to help the team's needs in the running department.

Adding Garrard would be a good insurance policy for the Cards, as if Kolb was to go down they would need someone capable of getting the ball to Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Roberts.

Another strong candidate for his services.

San Francisco 49ers

Here we find another NFC West team that thinks the quarterback it currently starts is capable of taking the team to the playoffs and win its division.

Alex Smith has shown he is not a spectacular passer and hasn't been more than average in the city by the bay.

Although Garrard is not heads and shoulders above Smith, he would be an improvement and offer another viable option at best for the club.

Garrard's abilities would be something the 49ers should consider as the backups they currently carry consist of a rookie draft pick and an emergency player who is primarily a wide receiver.

With a team that relies heavily on the services of Frank Gore, Garrard would feel at home in this system.

San Francisco is probably the most logical landing spot for Garrard, but that means nothing when evaluating this team.

Kansas City Chiefs

Despite Matt Cassel's claims that his rib is not going to hinder him in the 2011 season, it is uncertain of he's fine or one hit away from being hurt long term.

If the latter is what happens, the Chiefs are another team thin in the backup category.

With backups that combine for only six total passing attempts between them, the Chiefs need to seriously evaluate Garrard and consider adding him as quickly as they can.

Garrard would have some great weapons at his disposal and would be able to flourish in the Kansas City offensive scheme as it is quarterback friendly.

Kansas City should be the leading candidate for Garrard, but this is the NFL and anything goes.

Whatever happens and wherever David Garrard goes, one thing remains certain.

I would be surprised to see David Garrard fade away into the sunset and go unclaimed by an NFL team.  He still has gas left in the tank and could be a smart addition to several clubs that are thin at quarterback.

It remains to be seen how fast this will happen, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens quickly.